Multiple spraying apparatus



Feb. 12, 1957 Y D. D. SCOTT 2,781,020

MULTIPLE SPRAYING APPARATUS Filed March 16, 1953 Y 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 L INVENTOR.

DELMER 0.86077? 7 BY S Feb. 12, 1957 Filed March 16, 1953 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Feb. 12, 1957 D. D. SCOTT 2,781,020

MULTIPLE SPRAYING APPARATUS Filed March 16, 1953 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVEVTOR. DELMEP D. SCOTT.

,4 iiorney.

Fgb. 12, 1957 D. D. scoTT 2,78

MULTIPLE SPRAYING APPARATUS Filed ularcn 16, 1953 4 Sheets Sheet 4 United States Patent MULTIPLE SPRAYING APPARATUS Delmer D. Scott, Encino, Calif., assignor t0 Nethercutt Laboratories, Los Angeles, Calif., a coparmership cornposed of Jack B. Nethercutt and Dorothy S. N ethercutt Application March 16, 1953, Serial No. 342,447

15 Claims. (Cl. 118-6) This invention relates to spraying apparatus, and is more specifically concerned with multiple spraying apparatus, that is, with apparatus serviceable to accurately, dependably and effectively spray or coat with material such as paint, or the like, a plurality of objects fed to the apparatus in rapid succession.

The apparatus as provided by the present invention is such that it can be adapted to the spraying or coating of objects of various kinds, it being preferred that it be employed for the spraying of round disc-shaped objects.

A disc type target is an object that serves as a typical example of the type of object that can be handled to advantage, and therefore, this particular type of object will be referred to as being handled by the apparatus. It is to be understood, of course, that when objects are referred to, or when targets are mentioned, it is contemplated that they may be other than targets, and, in practice, the apparatus can, as circumstances require, be varied to accommodate the particular objects being handled.

It is a general object of this invention to provide apparatus which is such as to receive targets delivered to it constantly, or substantially so, and in rapid succession, and which serves to segregate the targets and handle and treat them as, for instance, applying a coat to them individually and possibly simultaneously as the rate of supply dictates.

It is another object of this invention to provide apparatus of the general character referred to, which is such as to handle articles or objects that are delicate, for example, targets adapted to be readily shattered, and which handles the targets rapidly, accurately, and with a minimum of damage or breakage.

It is another object of this invention to provide apparatus of the general character referred to, which is such that each individual target handled by the apparatus is subject to a treatment or coating for a predetermined time and in a manner to gain uniform treatment regardless of the rate at which the targets are fed to the apparatus.

It is a further object of this invention to provide apparatus of the general character referred to, which is such that it effectively and dependably handles targets which are soft or freshly made, and subject to distortion or disfiguration unless handled carefully and accurately. With the apparatus or" the present invention, targets, from the time they enter the apparatus, are either rolled or carried to avoid undesirable rubbing or dragging, and in the course of being coated or sprayed, they are held pneumatically, to the end that they issue from the apparatus without any mutilation, distortion, or disfiguration whatsoever.

A further object of the invention is to provide apparatus of the general character referred to with a coating mechanism, that is, with a mechanism serving to apply paint or coating to a target, which mechanism is characterized by a rotating reciprocating head carrying the target while it is being sprayed or coated, the action of which head is synchronized with that of the spray gun delivering the material to the target, to the end that the target is sprayed while it is rotated and while it is supported clear of other equipment, and so that it is coated to the desired extent and at the desired part or parts thereof.

A further object of the invention is to provide apparatus of the general character referred to, serving to apply coating or paint to targets and thereafter to handle the targets so that they are delivered from the apparatus for subsequent handling without at any time contacting the coated or sprayed part or parts of the targets.

The various objects and features of my invention will be fully understood from the following detailed description of a typical preferred form and application of my invention, throughout which description reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. l is a front elevation of a typical embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is an enlarged end elevation of the apparatus, being a view taken as indicated by line 2-2 on Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of the structure shown in Fig. 2, being a view taken as indicated by line 3-3 on Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is an enlarged detailed transverse sectional view of a target which is a typical object to be handled by the apparatus, being the object shown throughout the drawings as being handled by the apparatus. Fig. 5 is an enlarged detailed transverse sectional view of the apparatus, being a view taken substantially as indicated by line 55 on Fig. 1. Fig. 6 is a view of the apparatus taken substantiallyas indicated by line 66 on Fig. 5. Fig. 7 is a view of a portion of the structure shown in Fig. 5, showing the target-carrying head in an extended or actuated position instead of the retracted position shown in Fig. 5. Fig. 8 is an enlarged view taken substantially as indicated by line 88 on Fig. 7. Fig. 9 is an enlarged detailed sectional view taken as indicated by line 99 on Fig. 9. Fig. 10 is an enlarged detailed sectional view taken as indicated by line 10-10 on Fig. 7, and Fig. 11 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the control system provided by the present invention.

The apparatus as provided by the present invention is in the nature of a unitary structure, including generally, a frame A, a feed means B adapted to feed targets for handling by the other elements of the apparatus, a carrier C adapted to receive targets from the means B and to carry them lengthwise of the apparatus to chutes D related to coating mechanisms E which are preferably alike and which are arranged side by side in elongate series extending lengthwise of the apparatus, the mechanisms B being adapted to handle targets one by one to apply a coating thereto, following which they are delivered to a discharge conveyor F. The coating mechanisms E are preferably alike and are coupled as by means of a common drive, and they are related to or connected between the carrier C and the conveyor F, to the end that, although they operate individually, they may operate simultaneously to handle the flow of targets delivered by the means B, so that the apparatus treats each target in exactly the same manner, regardless of the rate at which the targets are fed to the apparatus.

Each coating mechanism E, in a typical form of the invention, includes generally, a target-operating head 10, mounting means 11 carrying the head 10 and characterized by shaft 12 supported by bearings 13 in frame A. The means E further includes an operating means 14 adapted to reciprocate the shaft 12, a retaining means 15 adapted to releasably retain a target T on the head 10, as will be hereinafter described, and a strippingsmeans 16 adapted to strip the target from the head 10 3 following operation of a sprayer 17 serving to spray the target as it is carried ahead. The mechanism E further includes a drive means -18 for the shaft 12, serving to rotate the shaft as it is reciprocated, and during operation of the sprayer 17. A control system such as is illustrated in Fig. 11 of the drawings is provided to control and coordinate the operation of'the means 14 and a 1'7, to the end that mechanism E operates in the manner that will be hereinafter described in detail.

The frame A of the apparatus is preferably an elongate horizontally disposed unit and, in practice, may be fabricated or constructed in any suitable manner to provide a suitable basic support or carrier for the various elements entering into the apparatus. In the drawings, a simple skeleton-like frame construction is illustrated, and this structure is provided with the desired structural elements necessary to mount or carry the other elements of the apparatus as circumstances require. In the particular form illustrated, there is a base portion X that carries a head portion Y, and the head portion of the frame A is shown as including vertical posts 20 at the rear of the frame, top members 21 extending upwardly and rearwardly from the front upper corner of the base portion X to the upper ends of the posts 20, and suitable horizontai members 22 that extend lengthwise of the several frame posts 20, and top members 21 that occur at suitable intervals lengthwise of the frame. The top members 21 extend upwardly and rearwardly'as clearly illustrated in Fig. of the drawings, to be in a pitched or inclined plane, which is beyond or steeper than the angle proposed, thus establishing an angle or pitch for parts of the apparatus such that gravity actuation of the targets occurs in the course of their being handled in the apparatus, as will be hereinafter described, by elements of the apparatus that are in the plane of the top members 21.

The feed means B is located at one end of the apparatus, that is, at one end of frame A, and is adapted to feed or deliver targets T to the apparatus one after another, continuously, and in rapid succession. In the form illustrated, the feed means B includes a horizontally disposed elongate table 30 extending transversely of the frame and approaching it from the back or rear portion. A curved guide or extension 31 continues from the forward end of the table 30 and curves up and forward to an extension 32 which is spaced inward from the guide and projects upwardly and somewhat'rear wardly as clearly illustrated in Fig. 2 of the drawings. A flexible propeller cooperates with the parts 31 and 32 and is preferably in the nature of a chain 34 carried on or running over pulleys 35 and 36, and other pulleys, as circumstances may require, to the end that the chain has a portion adjacent and extending parallel with the table 30, a portion adjacent and following the contour of the guide 31., and a portion adjacent and parallel with the extension 32. The chain 3 5 is driven by any suitable means, and is operated continuously in the direction indicated by the arrows in Fig. 2 of the drawings. It is to be understood that the table and chain can be extended rearwardly to any desired point where targets are supplied to the feed means for transfer to the carrier C. The chain 34 carries and is employed to propel fingers 37 which project laterally from the chain to overlie the parts 38, 31 and 32, and in the preferred form of the invention, the fingers 37 are flexible, for instance, they can be advantageously formed of helical springs 'as clearly shown in Fig. 3 of the drawings. The targets T are engaged by the fingers, there being a finger engaged behind each target T, and as the chain advances, the targets are advanced or moved therewith along the table 30 around the guide 31 and to'the position of the extension 32. 7

At the extension 32 there is an unloading device 38 which is in the form of a deflector that serves to laterally displace or deflect the targets as they are operated at the extension 32, so that they are transferred to the c'arrierC.

The carrier C receives the targets. T from the feed means B and serves to advance them longitudinally of the structure as fast as they are delivered by the means B, and it serves to deliver the targets to the chutes D so that all of the targets are thus discharged or delivered by the carrier before reaching the terminal end of the apparatus, that is, the end of the apparatus remote from the feed means B.

The carrier C in'its preferred form includes a belt 40 carried by or operating over rollers 41 so that it has a worl ing portion extending longitudinally of the frame and located relative to the unloading device 38 so that, as the targets are unloaded, they are received by it. The means C further includes a rail that adjoins one edge of the said operating portion of the belt 40 and continues parallel therewith. In accordance with the present invention, rollers 41 suitably supported at theend portions of the frame A carry the belt 40 so that the top or active portion thereof not only extends longitudinally of the frame as hereinabove described, but is in the inclined plane of the top members 21 of the frame. A suitable drive means is provided for operating the belt 40 continuously, so that the top or active portion thereof moves longitudinally of the'frame from the feed end to the terminal end. i

in the particular case illustrated, there is a prime mover in the form'of an electric motor M, and a power shaft 42 is driven continuously by the motor through a suitable drive shown in the drawings as a belt drive 43. In the case illustrated, and as best shown in Fig 5, one of the pulleys 41 carrying the belt 40 is operated from the power shaft 42 by a suitable drive shown as a'belt drive 44.

The rail 45 is located adjacent the lower or forward edge of the working portion of belt 48 and extends parallel therewith'froin' one end of the frame to the other. In accordance with the present invention, a rib 46 is provided on and projects upward from the upper. edge portion of the belt and extends continuously throughout the length of the belt. With the construction just described, as a target is discharged from the feed means onto the active portion of the belt which moves from the feed end of the frame to the terminal end thereof, it is caught by the rail and the belt so that its lowermost portion engages the rail 45 to roll along the rail while its uppermost portion rests on the rib 46. Through this construction, contact between the target and the belt is minimized, with the result that the target will roll along the rail 45 rather than drag in a manner that might score or injure it.

'The rail 45 is provided at suitable points lengthwise thereof with discharge openings 50, the openings being spaced apart lengthwise of the rail 45, and there being a discharge opening 50 for and in register with each chute D. The discharge openings 50 are of such extent or width as to pass the targets T, and, assuming there is a continuous or substantially continuous series of targets on the belt moving toward the terminal end of the frame, one target will drop into the first discharge opening 50, and before the second target has had time to fall in this opening, it continues and will find its way into the second opening, whereupon the third target will continue on to find its way into the third opening, and possibly by this result of this construction and relationship, the targets move by gravity from the belt of the carrier C through the discharge openings 50 and down through the chutes D. The several chutes D are aligned and each is related '5 to and serves to feed a coating mechanism E. In construction, each chute may include a bottom 53, a top 54, and suitable sides 56. In accordance with the invention, aligned openings 57 and 58 occur in the bottom and top walls of the chute, these openings being of such size as to pass a target, and being aligned with each other and with the head 10 of a mechanism E, as will be hereinafter described.

The invention provides a coating mechanism E in combination with each chute D, and it is preferred that the several mechanisms E be alike, and therefore the following description of one of them is applicable to all.

The target mechanism construction as provided by the present invention is best illustrated in Figs. to of the drawings. The mechanism E is characterized by the target-operating head 10 which is adapted to receive a target T at the chute D related to the mechanism and serves to carry the target from the chute and to rotate it while the sprayer 17 operates.

section, and is provided at its upper or working end with an annular seat adapted to engage or seat in the target T in a manner such as is illustrated in Fig. 9 of the drawings. In the drawings, the target T is shown as a typical target of disc shape and substantially concavo-convex in cross-sectional configuration. The targets as handled by the feed means B have their concave sides down while the targets are on table 30, with the result that the concave sides are down while the targets are on the belt 40, and

are down as the targets are handled in the chutes D. As a result of this disposition of the targets, when a target reaches the lower end portion of a chute D and registers with the openings 57 and 58 in the chute, its concave side is down, and it is adapted to be received by a head 10 so that the head engages into the target with the seat 69 supporting the target from its concave side as shown in Pig. 9.

The mounting means 11 of mechanism E carrying head 10 carries the head 10 for reciprocation on an axis normal to the chute and normal to the plane of the top members 21 of the frame A, and is adapted to drive or rotate the head. In the preferred form of the invention, the mounting means 11 is characterized by the shaft 12 and suitable bearings 13 carried by the frame A to support the shaft for rotation and reciprocatory movement. preferred arrangement of parts, the shaft 12 is supported by bearings 13 so that it extends downwardly and rearwardly relative to the related chute D, and the head 10 is fixed on the upper feed end of the shaft. The shaft is supported in register or alignment with the registering openings 57 and 53 in the chute D and the shaft is adapted to be reciprocated between a retracted position such as is shown in Fig. 7, where the head extends through the openings in the chute and supports the target above or forward of the chute.

The operating means 14 of the mechanism E is provided to effect the desired reciprocation of shaft 12 and, in the preferred form of the invention, it is a fluid pressure actuated means and is shown in the drawings as including a cylinder rigidly supported by frame A, a piston 71 carried in the cylinder 70, and a piston rod 72 fixed to the piston and projecting therefrom and from the cylinder in alignment with the shaft. The piston rod 72 or" means 14 is joined or coupled to the lower or rear end of shaft 12 by a suitable coupling, the details of which are illustrated in Fig. 10 of the drawings. The means 14 includes, in addition to the parts above described, a valve 75 that controls flow of operating fluid from a fluid supply line 76 to the ends of cylinder 79. In practice, a suitable fluid under pressure supplied from any suitable source is maintained available at the valve 75, and the valve 75 is shirtable between two positions, so that the piston 71 is operated through one end of the cylinder or the other, depending upon the setting of the valve 75.

The head 10 as shown in the drawings is an elongate member, round in cross- In the When the head 10 is engaged with a target, the retaining means 15 of the mechanism E serves to effect retention of the target on the head 16, until such time as the target is removed from the head by the stripping means 16. In the preferred form of the invention, the retaining means 15 is a pneumatic means employing air at a reduced pressure to eifect the desired retention or" a target on the head. In the case illustrated, the means 15 includes a suitably driven suction pump 77 and a suction line 78 from the pump 77 to the coupling that connects the piston rod 72 and shaft 12. The coupling serves to provide a connection between the suction line 78 and a port 79 that extends longitudinally through the shaft 12 to the head. The port continues through the head and into the chamber 80 established between the target and the head when these parts are engaged as shown in Fig. 9.

The particular coupling construction provided between the piston rod 72. and the shaft 12 is best illustrated in Fig. 10 of the drawings, and in the case illustrated, this coupling includes a flange 81 on the end of the piston rod 72, and a cup-shaped member 82 connected to the flange by fasteners 83 and coupled with the shaft 12 by sealed anti-friction bearing 84. Through the construction just described, the cup-shaped member 82 establishes a chamber 86 which is closed or sealed and which is in communication with the port 79 extending through the shaft 12. A lateral opening 87 connects with charm her 86 and a flexible section 88 of the suction line 78 connects with the lateral opening 87, so that comunication is maintained between the port and the shaft and the suction line, regardless of reciprocatory movement of the shaft. The anti-friction bearing 84 included in the coupling as shown in Fig. 10 permits free rotation of shaft 12 relative to the piston rod 72, while the pneumatic connection is maintained as above described.

As the structure operates, the pump 77 is driven so that a suitable reduced pressure is established in chamber 8%) as soon as a target T is engaged with the head without being engaged by mechanical elements or retainers that might serve to mar or injure the target.

The stripping means 16 is provided to remove or strip the target from the head 11? as the head is retracted or moved down and rearward from the fully operated or extended position shown in Fig. 7 of the drawings. When the head 10 is in the fully operated or extended position shown in Fig. 7, the target carn'ed thereby is out of the chute D and the stripper 16 serves to prevent return of the target to the chute and eifect separation of the target and the head, so that the target is free to move by graviy to the conveyor F.

in the preferred form of the invention, the stripper 16 is carried by the top 54 of the chute D and includes flaps 90 carried by the top 54 of the chute at diametrically opposite sides of the opening 58 provided in the top of the chute. The flaps il are shown as carried by parallel pivot pins 91 and each is engaged by a spring 92, so that it is normally yieldingly held in a down position where it engages and stops against the top 54 and projects somewhat into the opening 58. The flaps 9%) are free to pivot up from the down position where they are normally held by the spring, and they are of limited size or extent, so that they project but a limited amount into the opening 58. As the head 11) operates from the retracted to the extended position, a target engaged and carried thereby will move out through the opening 58 and in the course of that movement will operate the flaps 99, moving them up somewhat against the resistance of the springs 92, and before the head reaches the fully extended or operated position, the target on the head passes the flaps, allowing the flaps to return to the normal position as shown in Figs. 8 and 9. As a result of this, when the head 14? returns or moves from the fully operated position toward the retracted position, the target will engage and be stopped by the flaps 96. When the target has been thus engaged by the flaps, continued movement of the head separates the head from the target, leaving the target free to move by gravity downward in the direction indicated by the arrow in Fig. 8. The target will thus move by gravity over the top 54 of the chute D, and to the conveyor F.

The discharge conveyor P is preferably a cell type conveyor, and, in the case illustrated, it includes a belt 93 suitably carried by pull ys 94 and having a top or work ing portion in the plane parallel with the top members 21 of the frame A, and it extends longitudinally of the frame from the mechanism E closest the feed means E to the discharge or terminal end of th frame. A rail 95 adjoins the lower or forward edge of the belt and extends continuously of the working or upper portion of the belt. In the preferred construction, a rib 96 is provided on and projects up from the upper edge portion of the belt, so that targets delivered to the conveyor F are engaged with the rail 5 and are supported on the belt in the manner illustrated in Fig. i so that as the belt operates toward the terminal Jr delivery end of the apparatus, the target will roll along the rail rather than drag. In the preferred form of the invention, a soft bumper or pad 97 i provided on or carried by the rail 95 opposite each chute D, so that as the targets slide or fall by gravity to the mil /"5, their downward movement is stopped or checked gently.

lt is to be understood that, in practice, the belt 93 of conveyor F can be operated continuously and can be extended from the terminal or discharge end of the apparatus to any desired point, as circumstances may require. Further, it is to be understood that the belt 93 can besuitably driven, for instance, one of the pulleys 94 can,

be operated from the power shaft 42 to a belt drive 163, or the like.

The drive means 18 provided for operating or rotating shaft 22 includes prime mover or motor 11% (see Fig. 6) and a drive such as a chain drive I111 from the motor to a countershaft 112. The countershaft is carried by bearings 113 so that it is parallel with shaft .12. A drive pinion 114 on the countershaft meshes with and drives a gear H fixed on the shaft 12. The gear B5 is of substantial length, and the drive pinion and gear are related so that they are maintained engaged during the course of reciprocation of the shaft 12 by the means 14. Through the construction just described, the shaft 12 is rotated continuously and at a suitable speed. in accord ance with the present invention, the shafts llZ of the several mechanisms E are inter-connected to all operate continuously, there being chain drives 118 provided between the shafts H2.

The sprayer 17 of mechanism E is supported from the frame A through a suitable adjustable mounting 139, and, as shown in Fig. 5, is characterized by a typical spray gun lZila supplied with air and paint or the like, through supply lines and 122. The gun 12% has a spray head 12% and has a valve portion 125 controlling the action of the gun.

The mounting means 119 supports the gun 129:: so that the spray nozzle 124 is spaced forward of and a suitable distance from target T when the target is supported by the head in the fully operated position as shown in Fig. 7 of the drawings. it is to be understood that, in practice, the sprayer or spray gun can be buried, depending upon the material to be handled or the treatment given the target or other article handled by the apparatus.

The control system provided by the present invention controlling the action of mechanism E is such as to con trol the operation of means 14 and the action of the sprayer 17, to the end that each time a target reaches the lower end portion or" chute D, the head 1% is operated to engage that target, move it out of the chute, and rotate it, while the sprayer operates, and when the sprayer has ceased o eration the head is retracted and the target discharged therefrom to move by gravity to the conveyor F.

and 121 provided for operating the valve of means 14.

An electromagnetic operator 122 is provided for operating the valve 125 of the spray gun 120a. magnetic actuators 129, 121 and 122 are connected in an electrical system or circuit energized as by means of a battery 123, or the like. The invention provides suitable switches or controls in the circuit. In the case illustrated, a main or master switch S is provided controlling the entire circuit, and a starter switch 13%) is provided in the circuit in series wtih the actuator 120, which, when energized, operates valve 75 so piston 71 of means 14 is moved to advance the head 10 from the retracted position to the fully actuated position. The switch is located at the lower end portion of chute D and is adapted to be engaged and closed by a target when the target has moved down in the chute to a position where it is ready to be engaged by the head it). A timer 131 is provided and includes a switch 132 controlling the actuator 121 that reverses the valve 75, so that the means l -i operates to retract the head It The timer also includes a switch 133 which controls the actuator 121 operating the valve 225 of the spray gun 126a. A timer control switch 134 is provided inthe circuit to the timer and .is adapted to be operated by a stop 135 provided on a reciprocating part, for instance, on the shaft 12. The elements just described are related so that, when the shaft 12 advances to the fully operated position where the head 14} is fully actuated and supports the target out of the chute, the stop 135 engages and closes switch 134. The timer 131 is such that, or includes means whereby, the switch 133 controlling the spray gun is closed as soon as the switch 134 is closed, and the switch 133 remains closed for a predetermined time, with the result that, while the head 19 is advanced and carries the targets so that it is being rotated, the sprayer operates, applying material to the target. When the timer operates to open the switch 133, stopping the sprayer, the switch 132 is closed,.operating the valve 121 so that the means 114 is reversed, causing etractioh of the head 10.

It will be apparent from the foregoing description that the operation of mechanism E is initiated by a target delivered by the chute in a position to be engaged by the head it and since the target is thus positioned, the head 16 starts forward, picks up the target and advances it to a position out of the chute, ready for receiving material from the sprayer. When the target reaches that position, the sprayer operates for a predetermined length of time, applying a given quantity of'material to the target, and as this action occurs, the target is rotated so that it is effectievly and uniformly coated. As soon as the spraying has been completed, the head it is retracted and the target stripped therefrom to move by gravity onto the discharge conveyor. it is important to observe that the action of mechanism E as just described requires a certain interval of time, and the targets, in practice, are fed to the carrier (2 faster than a single mechanism E can handle them. Consequently, a multiplicity or series of mechanisms E is provided, and the discharge openings are provided in the rail of means D, to the end that, as the targets are delivered by the carrier, the several mechanisms E operate, there being enough mechanisms E to handle the full flow of targets. In operation, the mechanism E closest to the feed end of the apparatus operates constantly or continuously, whereas the one at the opposite or discharge end of the apparatus may operate only intermittently. 7

Having described only a typical preferred form and application of my invention, 1 do not wish to be limited or restricted to the specific details herein set forth, but wish to reserve to myself any variations or modifications that may appear to those skilled in the 'art' and fall within the scope of the following claims:

The electro- Having described my invention, I claim:

1. A machine for handling articles of the character described including, an elongate horizontally disposed frame, feed means at one end of the frame adapted to deliver the articles one after another at said end of the frame, an elongate transversely pitched conveyor receiving the articles from the feed means and adapted to move the articles longitudinally of the frame and a rail adjacent the conveyor and supporting the articles moved thereby the rail having openings spaced apart lengthwise thereof and adapted to pass the articles, a plurality of independently operated article coating mechanisms in a series lengthwise of the frame, one related to each opening to receive articles passed thereby, and an elongate conveyor extending lengthwise of the frame to the other end thereof and adapted to receive coated articles from said mechanisms and to discharge them from the machine.

2. A machine for handling articles of the character described, said articles being disc-shaped concave-convex articles including, an elongate horizontally disposed frame, feed means at one end of the frame adapted to deliver articles one after another at said end of the frame, the feed means including a table adapted to carry the articles opening upwardly, a guide continuing from the table and adapted to turn the articles over, and a belt moving parallel with the table and guide and having fingers adapted to move the articles along the table and guide, a carrier adapted to receive the articles from the feed means and including an elongate transversely pitched conveyor adapted to move the articles lengthwise of the frame and a rail adjacent the belt and supporting the articles moved thereby, the rail having openings spaced apart lengthwise thereof and adapted to pass the articles, a plurality of independently operated article coating mechanisms in a series lengthwise of the frame, one related to each opening to receive articles passed thereby, and an elongate conveyor extending lengthwise of the frame to the other end thereof and adapted to receive coated articles from said mechanisms and to discharge them from the machine.

3. A machine for handling articles of the character described including, an elongate horizontally disposed frame, feed means at one end of the frame adapted to deliver said articles one after another at said end of the frame, an elongate conveyor adapted to receive the articles from the feed means and adapted to move the articles lengthwise of the frame and a rail adjacent the conveyor and supporting the articles moved thereby, the portion of the conveyor carrying the articles being transversely inclined as it extends lengthwise of the frame and having an article supporting rib at its uppermost edge portion and the rail being adjacent its lowermost edge portion whereby the articles propelled by the conveyor roll along the rail, the rail having openings spaced apart lengthwise thereof and adapted to pass the articles, a plurality of independently operated article coating mechanisms in a series lengthwise of the frame, one related to each opening to receive articles passed thereby, and a conveyor extending lengthwise of the frame to the other end thereof and adapted to receive coated articles from said mechanisms and to discharge them from the machine.

4. A machine for handling articles of the character described including, an elongate horizontally disposed frame, feed means at one end of the frame adapted to deliver said articles one after another at said end of the frame, an elongate transversely pitched conveyor adapted to receive the articles from the feed means and adapted to move the articles lengthwise of the frame and a rail adjacent the conveyor and supporting the articles moved thereby, the rail having openings spaced apart lengthwise thereof and adapted to pass the articles, a plurality of independently operated article coating mechanisms in a' series lengthwise of the frame, one related to each opening to receive articles passed thereby, and an elongate conveyor extending lengthwise of the frame to the other end thereof and adapted to receive coated articles from said mechanisms and to discharge them from the machine, the last mentioned conveyor including a belt with an article carrying portion extending lengthwise of the frame and inclined and having an article supporting rib extending along its upper edge portion, there being an article carrying rail adjacent the lower edge portion of the inclined portion of the belt along which the articles roll as they are propelled by the belt.

5. A machine for handling articles of the character described including, an elongate horizontally disposed frame, feed means at one end of the frame adapted to deliver said articles one after another at said end of the frame, an elongate transversely pitched conveyor adapted to receive the articles from the feed means and including a belt adapted to move the articles lengthwise of the frame and a rail adjacent the conveyor and supporting the articles moved thereby, the rail having openings spaced apart lengthwise thereof and adapted to pass the articles, a plurality of independently operated article coating mechanisms in a series lengthwise of the frame, one related to each opening to receive articles passed thereby, and a second elongate conveyor extending lengthwise of the frame to the other end thereof and adapted to receive coated articles from said mechanisms and to discharge them from the machine, the said second conveyor including a belt and a rail adjacent thereto, each of said belts having an inclined article carrying portion with an article supporting rib at the upper edge portion thereof and the rails being at the lower edge portions of the inclined belt portions whereby the articles roll along the rails as they are propelled by the belt.

6. A machine for handling articles of the character described including, an elongate horizontally disposed frame, feed means at one end of the frame adapted to deliver said articles one after another at said end of the frame, an elongate transversely pitched conveyor adapted to receive the articles from the feed means and adapted to move the articles lengthwise of the frame and a rail adjacent the conveyor and supporting the articles moved thereby, the rail having openings spaced apart lengthwise thereof and adapted to pass the articles, an article chute extending down from each opening, a plurality of independently operated article coating mechanisms in a series lengthwise of the frame, one related to each chute to receive articles therefrom, and an elongate conveyor. extending longitudinally of the frame to the other end thereof and adapted to receive coated articles from said mechanisms and to discharge them from the machine.

7 A machine for handling articles of the character described including, an elongate horizontally disposed frame, feed means at one end of the frame adapted to deliver said articles one after another at said end of the frame, an elongate transversely pitched conveyor adapted to receive the articles from the feed means and adapted to move the articles lengthwise of the frame and a rail adjacent the conveyor and supporting the article moved thereby, the rail having openings spaced apart lengthwise thereof and adapted to pass the articles, an article chute extending down from each opening, a plurality of independently operated article coating mechanisms in a series lengthwise of the frame, one related to each chute to receive articles therefrom, and an elongate conveyor extending longitudinally of the frame to the other end thereof and adapted to receive coated articles from said mechanisms and to discharge them from the machine, each mechanism including a head adapted to engage an article at the related chute, means adapted to reciprocate the head to move the engaged article out of the chute, and a sprayer adapted to spray material onto the article while it is held out of the chute by the head.

8. A machine for handling articles of the character described including, an elongate horizontally disposed frame, feed means at one end of the frame adapted to deliver said articles one after another at said end of the frame, an elongate transversely pitched conveyor adapted to receive the articles from the feed means and adapted to move the articles lengthwise of the frame and a rail ad jacent the conveyor and supporting the articles moved thereby, the rail having openings spaced apart lengthwise thereof and adapted to pass the articles, an article chute extending down from each opening, a plurality of independently operated article coating mechanisms in a series lengthwise f the frame, one related to each chute to receive articles therefrom, and an elongate conveyor extending longitudinally of the frame to the other end thereof and adapted to receive coated articles from said mechanisms and to discharge them from the machine, each mechanism including a head adapted to engage an article at the related chute, means adapted to reciprocate the head to move the engaged article out of the chute, a sprayer adapted to spray material onto the article while it is held out of the chute by the head, and a stripper adapted to remove the sprayed article from the head at the exterior of the chute as the head is retracted.

9. A machine for handling articles of the character described including, an elongate horizontally disposed frame, feed means at one end of the frame adapted to deliver said articles one after another at said end of the frame, anelongate transversely pitched conveyor adapted to receive the articles from the feed means and adapted to move the articles lengthwise of the frame and a rail adjacent the conveyor and supporting the articles moved thereby, the rail having openings spaced apart lengthwise thereof and adapted to pass the articles, an article chute extending down from each opening, a plurality of independently operated article coating mechanisms in a series lengthwise of the frame, one related to each chute to receive articles therefrom, and an elongate conveyor extending longitudinally of the frame to the other end thereof and adapted to receive coated articles'from said mechanisms and to discharge them from the machine, each mechanism including a head adapted to engage an article at the related chute, a fluid pressure actuated means adapted to reciprocate the head to move the engaged article out of the chute, and a sprayer adapted to spray material onto the article while it is held out of the chute by the head.

10. A machine for handling articles of the character described including, an elongate horizontally disposed frame, feed means at one end of the frame adapted to deliver said articles one after another at said end of the frame, an elongate transversely pitched conveyor adapted to receive the articles from the feed means and adapted to move the articles lengthwise of the frame and a rail adjacent the conveyor and supporting the articles moved thereby, the rail having openings spaced apart lengthwise thereof and adapted to pass the articles, an article chute extending down from each opening, a plurality of independently operated article coating mechanisms in a series lengthwise of the frame, one related to each chute to receive articles therefrom, and an elongate conveyor extending lengthwise of the frame to the other end thereof and adapted to receive coated articles fromsaid mechanisms and to discharge them from the machine, each mechanism including a head adapted to carry and rotate the article, means adapted to reciprocate the head to move the engaged article out of the chute, and a sprayer adapted to spray material onto the target while it is lengthwise thereof and adapted to pass the articles, an

article chute extending down from each opening, a plurality of independently operated article coating mechanisins in a series lengthwise of the frame, one related to each chute to receive articles therefrom, and an elongate conveyor extending lengthwise of the frame to the other end thereof and adapted to receive coated articles from said mechanisms and to discharge them from the machine, each mechanism including a head adapted to engage an article at the related chute, a shaft carrying the head, means adapted to reciprocate the shaft to'move the engaged article out of the chute, and a sprayer adapted to spray material onto the article While it is held out of the chute by the head.

12. A machine for handling articles of the character described including, an elongate horizontally disposed frame, feed means at one end of the frame adapted to del ver said articles one after another at said end of the frame, an elongate transversely pitched conveyor adapted to receive the articles from the feed means and'adapted to move the articles lengthwise of the frame and a rail adjacent the conveyor and supporting the articles moved thereby, the rail having openings spaced apart lengthwise thereof and adapted to pass the articles, a plurality of independently operated article coating mechanisms in 'a series lengthwise of the frame, one related to' each opening to receive articles passed thereby, and an elongate conveyor extending longitudinally of the frame to the other end thereof and adapted to receive coated articles from said mechanisms and to discharge them from the machine, each mechanism including, a head adapted to engage an article in the related chute, a shaft carrying the head, a drive adapted to rotate the shaft, means adapted to reciprocate the shaft to move the head relative to the chute to engage the article therein and move it out of the chute, a sprayer adapted to spray material onto the article held by the head out of the chute, and a control means adapted to be initiated in action by the article in the chute reaching position to be engaged by the head and adapted to first effect advance of the head, then operation of the sprayer, and then retraction of the head. a

13. A machine for handling articles of the character described including, an elongate horizontally disp sed frame, feed means at one end of the frame adapted to deliver said articles one after'another at said end of the frame, an elongate transversely pitched conveyor adapted to receive the articles from the feed means and adapted to move the articles lengthwise of the frame and a rail adjacent the conveyor and supporting the articles moved thereby, the rail having openings spaced apart lengthwisethereof and adapted to pass the articles, a plurality of independently operated article coating mechanisms in a series lengthwise of the frame, one related to each opening to receive articles passed thereby, and an elongate conveyor extending longitudinally of the frame to the other end thereof and adapted to receive coated articles from said mechanisms and to discharge them from the machine, each mechanism including, a head adapted to engage an article in the related chute, a shaft carrying the head, a drive adaptd to rotate theVs-haft, mean adapted, to re ciprocate the shaft to move the head relative to the chute to engage the article therein and move it out of the chute, a stripper adapted to remove the article from the head at the exterior of the chute as the head is re tracted, a sprayer adapted to spray material onto the article held by the head outof the chute, a control means adapted to be initiated in action'by the article in the chute reaching position to be engaged by the head and adapted to first effect advance of therhead, then operation of the sprayer, and then retraction of the head.

14. A machine for handling articles of the character described including, an elongate horizontally disposed frame, feed means at one end of the frame adapted to deliver said articles one aftcranothcr at said end of the frame, an elongated transversely pitched conveyor adapted to receive the articles from the feed means and adapted to move the articles lengthwise of the frame and a rail ad jacent the conveyor and supporting the articles moved thereby, the rail having openings spaced apart lengthwise thereof and adapted to pass the articles, a plurality of independently operated article coating mechanisms in a series lengt Wise of the frame, one related to each opening to receive articles passed thereby, and an elongate conveyor extending longitudinally of the frame to the other end thereof and adapted to receive coated articles from said mechanisms and to discharge them from the machine, each mechanism including, a head adapted to engage an article in the related chute, means adapted to releasably retain the target on the head upon engagement of the article by the head, a shaft carrying the head, a drive adapted to rotate the shaft, means adapted to reciprocate the shaft to move the head relative to the chute to engage the article therein and move it out of the chute, a sprayer adapted to spray material onto the article held by the head out of the chute, and a control means adapted to be initiated in action by the article in the chute reaching position to be engaged by the head and adapted to first effect advance of the head, then operation of the sprayer, and then retraction of the head.

15. A machine for handling articles of the character described including, an elongate horizontally disposed frame, feed means at one end of the frame adapted to deliver said articles one after another at said end of the frame, an elongate transversely pitched conveyor adapted to receive the articles from the feed means and adapted to move the articles lengthwise of the frame and a rail adjacent the conveyor and supporting the articles moved thereby, the rail having openings spaced apart lengthwise thereof and adapted to pass the articles, a plurality of independently operated article coating mechanisms in a series lengthwise of the frame, one related to each opening to receive articles passed thereby, and an elongate conveyor extending lengthwise of the frame to the other end thereof and adapted to receive coated articles from said mechanisms and to discharge them from the machine, each mechanism including, a head adapted to engage an article in the related chute, a shaft carrying the head, a drive adapted to rotate the shaft, pneumatic means adapted to releasably retain the article on the head upon engagement of the target by the head, mean adapted to reciprocate the shaft to move the head relative to the chute to engage the article therein and move it out of the chute, a mechanical stripper adapted to remove the article from the head at the exterior of the chute as the head is retracted, a sprayer adapted to spray material onto the article held by the head out of the chute, and a control means adapted to be initiated in action by the article in the chute reaching position to be engaged by the head and adapted to first eifect advance of the head, then operation of the sprayer, and then retraction of the head.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Shanklin et al May 25, 1948 

